New Observers

Astro Documents (Created by members of CAAS to help others)

Star Guide Part 1 and Part 2 – These two sister documents were created by Rocky Togni to assist astronomers in finding their way around the night sky.

Polar Alignment – Even the most casual observer knows that the Sun and stars move across the sky. These objects appear to move because the Earth rotates on its axis every day. In order for you to observe an object for any length of time, your telescope must track the sky in sync with the Earth’s rotation. This document will help you get good polar alignment with your telescope. [ polar-alignment.pdf ]

Lunar Alphabet – This is a binocular guide to the Moon, developed by CAAS, to assist in the identification of features on our only natural satellite. [ lunar-alphabet.pdf ]

Astro Software

Cartes du Ciel Sky Charts – A free sky charting program that uses the data in 16 stellar and nebulae catalogs in addition to positions of planets, asteroids and comets.

Home Planet – Home Planet is a comprehensive astronomy, space and satellite-tracking package for Microsoft Windows 95/98/ME and Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP.

K3 CCD Tools – Software for capturing and processing images with web cams and similar devices.

NIST Internet Time Service (ITS) – The NIST Internet Time Service (ITS) allows users to synchronize computer clocks via the Internet. The time information provided by the service is directly traceable to UTC(NIST). The service responds to time requests from any Internet client in several formats including the DAYTIME, TIME, and NTP protocols.

Other Astro Clubs

Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society – The Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society is a registered not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising the public’s awareness about the science of astronomy and to increasing the application of astronomical science in education. The AOAS primary focus is the reqion around in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Red River Astronomy Club – Astronomy club near Nashville, Arkansas. Dark skies, beautiful facility, and warm hospitality! Ark-La-Tex Star Party was hosted here in 2005.

Facebook Groups

Space Hogs – Based in Fayetteville, AR, SPACE Hogs is a registered student organization at the University of Arkansas with the aim of promoting interest in space and planetary science.

Other Astro Sites

UCA Dr. Edmond E Griffin Planetarium – The Dr. Edmond E. Griffin Planetarium, located on the University of Central Arkansas Campus in the Conway Corporation Center for the Sciences, serves as an astronomy and science education resource center for central Arkansas.

Astronomical League – The Astronomical League is a confederation of amateur astronomers and amateur astronomy organizations. The league promotes learning about astronomy, observing the sky, and communications among amateur astronomers.

Astrophotography

Field of View Calculator An excellent tool to help you determine your field of view using various telescopes and cameras. This can be useful when considering which telescope or camera to buy. It can also be useful for visual astronomy to show your field of view using various telescopes can eyepieces.